Sean "Diddy" Combs will be in Houston for nightclub parties, including his All-Star Kick Off, Kings of New York and Young, Rich & Famous.

Sean "Diddy" Combs will be in Houston for nightclub parties, including his All-Star Kick Off, Kings of New York and Young, Rich & Famous.

Photo: Gareth Cattermole, Staff

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Miami Heat forward LeBron James stands on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Dec. 31, 2012.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Miami Heat forward LeBron James stands on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Dec. 31, 2012.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Photo: Phelan M. Ebenhack, FRE

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LeBron James attends a scrimmage by the U.S. national basketball team at Radio City Music Hall, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010, in New York. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

LeBron James attends a scrimmage by the U.S. national basketball team at Radio City Music Hall, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010, in New York. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

Photo: Stephen Chernin, FRE

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Mercedes-Benz of Houston Greenway, 3900 Southwest Freeway. NBA All Star party coverage of Legends of Basketball Red Carpet. Party thrown by the Nat. Basketball Retired Players Asso. benefiting The Legends of Basketball Houston Chapter Scholarship Fund and The Mayor's Got A Goal--Stay in School Initiative. Former Rocket Calvin Murphy does a little high step as he exits the stage past chairperson Robert Reid.
Friday
*02/17/06. (Craig H. Hartley/For the Chronicle) less

Mercedes-Benz of Houston Greenway, 3900 Southwest Freeway. NBA All Star party coverage of Legends of Basketball Red Carpet. Party thrown by the Nat. Basketball Retired Players Asso. benefiting The Legends of ... more

Photo: Craig Hartley, Freelance

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Former Rocket Moses Malone received $155,000 from a workers' comp claim in California.

Former Rocket Moses Malone received $155,000 from a workers' comp claim in California.

Photo: ELISE AMENDOLA, STF

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Valentine's vs. NBA All-Stars

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The NBA All-Star Weekend is much more than a single game. It's a celebrity-studded circus with a comet's tail of parties, concerts and gawk-worthy public appearances.

The three-day event -- Feb. 15-17 – is expected to draw 200,000 fans to Houston with an economic impact of more than $80 million.

The NBA festivities also dribble into town at precisely the same time that thousands of Houstonians will being planning special date nights. Valentine's Day is the second-most-popular holiday for dining out, and with Feb. 14 landing on a weeknight this year, many couples may opt to celebrate on Friday or Saturday night.

The influx of the NBA, its sponsors and countless entourages will create increased competition for prime-time tables at fine restaurants inside the Loop and around the Galleria.

The weekend is going to be a test for some restaurants, particularly those that are popular with celebrities.

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"We have had a lot of people approach us," Mooradian said, "but we weren't interested."

Instead, Mooradian said, "we're focused on Valentine's" and taking care of regular customers. And though he expects some bold-faced names to drop by, "it's business as usual" for the posh Del Frisco's and high-energy Sullivan's.

Over at West Ave, the sexy Katsuya also has a reputation for drawing the beautiful people, what you would expect from a Los Angeles-born sushi concept.

Already on the books for the All-Star weekend: a party of 20 former NBA players. But Katsuya, too, is focused on giving its regular guests a memorable Valentine's experience, said John Kolaski, a vice president for Katsuya owner sbe.

"That's the beauty of the restaurant: You can come in and be comfortable in a private booth, or you can be at a spot in the bar and be right in the mix."

See the action

The Feb. 17 game and some All-Star Weekend events are already sold out, but tickets may be available on the secondary market. Unless otherwise noted, buy tickets at nba.com/allstar2013.

NBA All-Star Jam Session, Feb. 14-17 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas. The Jam Session offers basketball fans the opportunity to compete in skills challenges and meet current and past NBA stars, as well as team mascots and dance teams. Young fans can perfect their slam dunks, three-pointers and jump shots in the Kids Zone. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Feb. 14-15, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 16 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 17. Tickets range from $12 to $30.

The Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, Feb. 15 at the George R. Brown. NBA legends team with celebrities for some unpredictable hoops action. Tip-off is 6 p.m. Sold out.

All-Star East & West Practice, Feb. 16 at the George R. Brown. Watch as the 2013 NBA All-Stars and their coaches run through their game plans at 10:45 a.m. Sold out.

State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, Feb. 16 at the Toyota Center. This evening features some of the weekend's most popular skills challenges, including the high-flying slam-dunk contest. Tickets are part of premium weekend packages that start at $1,399, but you can enter to win four tickets at texas.statefarm.com.